The Cogges School of Theology

For members of St Mary’s Cogges who want to go deeper in their faith.
“Theology is such an interesting subject, but it is helpful to strike a balance between the academic and the practical. In our School of Theology we want to be more than ‘words about words’, which people can get from the internet. We want to build a community where people can bring their questions and discuss them together as an act of worship.”
— Jonathan Jeffes (Course Designer)

📖 What to expect

Nine Thursday evenings of Bible teaching, theology, prayer, and practical Christian living.
Each session includes emailed notes so you can reflect further at home.
Come for the whole course, or just try one session.
👥 Led by Chris Rimmer and Jonathan Jeffes

📅 When & Where

  • 25 September – 20 November 2025

  • Thursdays, 7:30–9:00pm

  • The Church Centre

🔎 This Term’s Topics (subject to change)

  1. Old Testament Overview
    The narrative arc – How was the Old Testament put together? How do we explain the violence of the Old Testament?

  2. New Testament Overview
    The life of Jesus – What happened to the Apostles? – Where does the Bible come from, and how was it put together?

  3. Science and Religion
    Are faith and science in conflict? – The development of Natural Theology from Plato to Quantum – What is the basis of ethics in this brave new world?

  4. Evolution: Where Do We Come From?
    Is evolution compatible with the Christian faith? – Paley, Lamarck, Darwin – How the church responded – Strengths and limitations of evolutionary theory

  5. Creation, Big Bang, and the Problem of Evil
    How did it all begin? – Creation ex nihilo – Is Genesis compatible with the Big Bang Theory? – The origins of evil – How do we account for suffering?

  6. Heaven, Hell, Death and Judgement
    What do we mean by these terms? – What happens when we die? – What will it be to face judgement? – Is there such a thing as Hell? – How do we minister the gospel of hope to those around us? – How would I pray for someone who is dying?

  7. Ecotheology (New for 2025!)
    How do Christians contribute to the climate change debate? – What is ecotheology? – Unique perspectives from a Christian worldview – Historical problems – Bringing the hope of the gospel to creation care.

  8. The Psalms and Worship
    Why do we worship? – How should we worship? – The Temple Model – Different traditions – The Book of Psalms.

  9. Q & A Panel and Quiz
    Bring your questions to our panel of experts – Followed by a Bible Quiz covering the term’s teaching.

Click below to register:

If you have any questions email office@coggesparish.com.